Colbert's 'Late Show' Cancellation Sparks Outrage and Suspicion
The cancellation of "The Late Show with Stephen Colbert" by CBS, effective May 2026, has triggered a wave of reactions from Hollywood celebrities, late-night hosts, and political figures. The news, announced by Colbert himself on Thursday, July 17, 2025, marks the end of CBS's long-running "Late Show" franchise and has ignited controversy surrounding the motives behind the decision.
CBS Claims Financial Reasons, Controversy Arises
CBS and its parent company, Paramount Global, stated that the cancellation was "purely a financial decision against a challenging backdrop in late night." They emphasized that the decision was "not related in any way to the show's performance, content, or other matters happening at Paramount." The network praised Colbert as "irreplaceable," acknowledging the show's legacy.
However, the timing of the cancellation has raised eyebrows. Just three days before the announcement, Colbert publicly criticized Paramount Global's $16 million settlement with Donald Trump over a "60 Minutes" story, referring to it as a "big fat bribe." This settlement coincides with Paramount's pursuit of approval from the Trump administration for its $8.4 billion merger with Skydance Media, leading many to question whether the cancellation was politically motivated.
Late-Night Hosts Express Shock and Sadness
Colbert's fellow late-night hosts have expressed their reactions to the news. Jimmy Kimmel of ABC's "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" posted a supportive message on Instagram, stating, "Love you Stephen" and using an expletive aimed at CBS, referencing "all your Sheldons."
Jimmy Fallon, host of NBC's "Tonight Show," shared his shock and sadness on Instagram, calling Colbert "one of the sharpest, funniest hosts to ever do it" and stating he thought he'd "ride this out with him for years to come."
Seth Meyers, who hosts NBC's "Late Night," lauded Colbert as "an even better person" than a comedian and host, adding humorously that Colbert would no longer have an excuse to avoid socializing.
Andy Cohen, from "Watch What Happens Live," suggested a broader strategic shift, calling it "a very sad day for CBS that they are getting out of the late-night race."
Political Figures Weigh In: Trump Celebrates, Democrats Demand Investigation
Donald Trump celebrated the news on Truth Social, stating, "I absolutely love that Colbert got fired. His talent was even less than his ratings. I hear Jimmy Kimmel is next. Has even less talent than Colbert!"
Senator Adam Schiff (D-CA), who appeared as a guest on Colbert's show on the day of the announcement, tweeted, "If Paramount and CBS ended the Late Show for political reasons, the public deserves to know. And deserves better."
Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) posted on X, "CBS canceled Colbert's show just THREE DAYS after Colbert called out CBS parent company Paramount for its $16M settlement with Trump—a deal that looks like bribery. America deserves to know if his show was canceled for political reasons."
The Writers Guild of America called for an investigation by New York's attorney general into whether the cancellation constitutes a bribe, "sacrificing free speech to curry favor with the Trump administration as the company looks for merger approval."
Other Celebrities Share Their Disappointment and Admiration
Jon Batiste, the former bandleader for "The Late Show," hailed Colbert as "the greatest to ever do it."
Director Judd Apatow expressed "bottomless" admiration and appreciation, eagerly anticipating Colbert's future endeavors.
Actor Adam Scott wrote, "Love you Stephen. This is absolute bulls---," while also expressing excitement for the remaining 10 months of the show.
Katie Couric stated she was "so upset" and needed "more information" regarding the situation.
Rachel Zegler voiced her extreme sadness and adoration for Colbert.
Ben Stiller tweeted his disappointment, saying, "Sorry to hear @CBS is canceling one of the best shows they have."
Anderson Cooper stated he was "shocked and truly saddened," praising Colbert's intelligence, humor, and ability to have "actual conversations."
Context: Financial Pressures, Political Influence, and the Future of Late Night
Stephen Colbert has hosted "The Late Show" since 2015, becoming known for his sharp political humor, especially after 2016. His show has consistently maintained high ratings in the late-night landscape.
CBS and Paramount Global face economic challenges in the evolving linear TV landscape and are seeking approval for a major merger with Skydance Media.
Donald Trump, a frequent target of Colbert's commentary, is at the center of the controversy due to Paramount's settlement with him.
Skydance Media, the company looking to merge with Paramount Global, has CEO David Ellison, who is reportedly a Trump supporter.
The late-night TV genre has been facing declining ratings and ad revenue as viewers increasingly turn to streaming platforms and online content. CBS recently canceled "After Midnight," which aired after "The Late Show."
Reports indicate that "The Late Show" has been losing over $40 million annually for CBS, despite leading in ratings compared to its broadcast competitors.
The cancellation is viewed by many as a blow to political commentary in late-night television, raising concerns about corporate influence on media content, particularly during an election year. Some experts believe it could accelerate the decline of the traditional network late-night talk show format.
